Some New Things

I have had a sheet of 18 gauge brass sitting at my desk for awhile now. I originally bought it when I first started learning metal smithing. Something to practice on. I quickly moved on from it because I just am not a fan of bright yellow gold looking jewelry. Just doesn't seem to go with my skin tone I guess.

The other day by way of a mistake I realized that heating the metal up and then buffing it with some steel wool really makes for a nice looking piece. It mellows it out and really gives it an antique sort of feel. Once I came across this discovery I starting getting excited about working with it since my Sterling Silver is running low at the moment.

Here is a necklace I recently made and is now in my Etsy store for sale.

Here is a little secret-I used my metal leather stamps to stamp this design.

Here is a bracelet I made as well. Also for sale in my shop.

On another note-
I miss working out. I use to go to the gym quite often a few years back when we lived close to one that we could afford (memberships are EXPENSIVE aren't they? sheesh!). Then we moved sort of out in the country and bought a treadmill to keep in the garage. It got boring after awhile and we really only could use it when the weather was a decent temp outside. So, lately all the exercise I get is walking my dogs and cleaning my house. I have been just dying to get back into it. Today I woke up all motivated. I put on my work out clothes and ran down the street and back(which wasn't very far at all) and decided that running sucks. Haha. Ugh it's just so hot here in TN right now. I can't believe there are people who actually enjoy running. I wish I was one of them...

Mug Appreciation

The older I get the more I appreciate the small joys in life. A good book, a good chat with a friend, and finding a new mug at my local thrift store. Haha.....

I was thinking the other day how funny it is that I just have to drink my coffee in a mug that I really like. As if it magically changes the flavor and makes the whole experience better.

When I got married we were gifted a set of red dishes and mugs that we had picked out. It came with a TON of mugs. For years I have just used those mugs although honestly I am so tired of red I could cry. It occurred to me one day that I should start looking for mugs that I really enjoy and so I have. This is my first "special" mug. We were meant to be since my B-day is in February...I just know it. It magically does make my coffee drinking experience much more enjoyable. Who knew a mug could do that??

PS. Did you get a glimpse of my MESSY desk! Oh my it's much much worse then you even know. Perhaps it's time to go in there and clean it up. or.....maybe not..... ;)

Beaded Bracelets

I just got done making a few custom beaded bracelets for a friend. I love getting these kinds of requests.
Here is a picture.
The "Deut 8" refers to Deuteronomy chapter 8 in the bible.

I love the little bird beads!

PS. Do you watch The Bachelorette? My husband jokes that it is trash and really it probably is, but I am enjoying this season with Emily. I am loving all the beaded bracelets and necklaces she is wearing on each episode. It's making me want to make some simple beaded bracelets for myself.